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Percy Harvin returns to practice with Seahawks - Jan. 2, 2014

Wide receiver Percy Harvin #11 of the Seattle Seahawks and running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings speak after the game at CenturyLink Field on November 17, 2013 in Seattle,Wa. The Seahawks won the game 41-20. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

WR Percy Harvin was back on the practice field for the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday for the first time since his only game appearance this season.

Harvin has been sidelined with soreness in his surgically repaired hip since making his Seattle debut against the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 17. He had been unable to practice with the team since due to the continued soreness in his hip.

It appeared as though Harvin just wasn't making enough progress to be a factor this postseason until head coach Pete Carroll surprising announced Monday that Harvin would practice this week.

“Percy is going to practice with us when we get back and with the intention of playing in this next game and we’ll see what happens," Carroll said Monday.

"That’s the intention and we’re going to see how it goes. He’s come to the point where we can go to that and we’ll keep our fingers crossed for him. He wants to contribute and be a part of this team and he’s going to do everything he can to do that. So we’ll see what happens."

The first step was getting through a practice. The next step will be getting through consecutive practices. If he's able to stay on the practice field without any setbacks, he could be available for Seattle's playoff opener next Saturday.

"He's ready to go, I think, but we'll see," Wilson said. We've got to listen to the trainers and coach Carroll and how he's feeling. That just adds another element to our game.

"If we can add Percy Harvin, he's explosive as can be. He has a great knack for the game. He's very physical, loves to make big-time plays. If we can get him out there that would be great if that's the case."

"If" seems to be the operative word when it comes to Harvin's status. Whether he'll be able to play or not remains up in the air.

Wilson threw with Harvin on Monday and the workout led Carroll to give Harvin another chance to make it back for the playoffs. They've constantly remarked they will take the process slowly and make sure he's ready to play before putting him back on the field.

Nevertheless, Seattle could use Harvin for their Super Bowl push. The offense has struggled the last month to create the big plays and consistency they've been able to show in the past. Harvin's presence on the field could significantly change how defenses have to adapt to their personnel and open up opportunities for the offense.

"We want him at 100-percent," Wilson said. "Whenever he's ready to go. We want to make sure that Percy Harvin's ready to go. If he is, that's something else. He can make a lot of plays for us. He can do a lot of special things."

"He's done a tremendous job of staying focused on what he can do to keep himself healthy and prepare and get his legs ready to go."